Dragon Ball: Xenoverse is a strange beast. It lands on PS3, PS4, PC, and Xbox 360, and it wants to be everything at once: a fighting game, an adventure game, and a tribute to one of the most beloved anime series ever made. It mostly succeeds, but it never quite becomes the game fans have been waiting for.
The premise is simple. Players take on the role of a Time Patrol agent, sent back to fix the timeline after Dr. Myuu’s experiments have rewritten history. That means you spend most of your time in Conton City, a bustling hub filled with familiar faces, and you travel through time to undo damage caused by villains like Frieza and the Androids. It sounds like a great idea on paper. In practice, it takes some getting used to.
Conton City And The Hub System
Conton City is the heart of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse. It’s a living, breathing town packed with shops, training areas, and a large number of side quests. The city itself is a joy to explore, with a vibrant skyline and a sense of scale that’s rare for games of this era. You’ll find yourself walking around just to soak in the sights.
But the hub system can feel overwhelming. There are so many things to do: side quests, training missions, arena battles, and events tied to the main story. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. The game doesn’t always do a great job of guiding you, so you might find yourself wandering around without a clear sense of what to do next.
The main story is a slow burn. It introduces you to the Time Patrol, its members, and the threat posed by Dr. Myuu. The pacing is deliberate, which means the early hours can drag. But the payoff comes when you finally get to jump into the past and start fixing the timeline. Those moments are genuinely satisfying, even if the setup feels a bit sluggish.
Combat And Its Flaws
The combat in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse is the star of the show. It’s fast, fluid, and packed with special moves that let you unleash devastating attacks on your foes. You can charge up energy, chain combos together, and unleash Ki blasts that send enemies flying across the screen. The animation is top-notch, and the sound design adds to the impact.
But the combat isn’t perfect. Some moves feel clunky, and the controls can be finicky. You’ll find yourself missing a combo or slipping off a ledge at the worst possible moment. The game also leans heavily on grinding, especially in the early hours. You’ll spend a lot of time leveling up your character, unlocking new abilities, and farming experience points.
The game’s difficulty curve is also uneven. Some fights are a breeze, while others require you to memorize enemy patterns and repeat attempts. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially during the main story, where you’re expected to face off against powerful villains without much warning.
Character Customization And The Look Of The Game
Character customization is a big draw in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse. You can create your own Time Patrol agent from scratch, choosing facial features, hairstyles, and clothing. The options are extensive, and you can change your look as you progress through the game. It’s a fun way to make your character stand out in a world full of recognizable heroes.
The visual presentation is solid. The character models are detailed, and the environments are varied, from neon-lit streets to lush forests. The game runs at a smooth frame rate on PS4 and PC, though it can struggle on PS3 and Xbox 360. The lighting effects are particularly impressive, giving the game a cinematic look.
There are some technical issues, though. Load times can be lengthy, and there are occasional frame drops during busy battles. These problems are more noticeable on the older hardware, but they’re present across all platforms. It’s a shame, because the game looks its best when it’s running smoothly.
Multiplayer Modes And Online Play
The multiplayer modes in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse are a mixed bag. You can team up with friends to take on missions, fight in arenas, and participate in cooperative events. The online play is decent, though it can be hit-or-miss. You’ll often find yourself waiting for players to join, and there’s a noticeable difference in performance between local co-op and online matches.
The arenas are a highlight. They offer a chance to test your skills against other players in a variety of modes, from standard brawls to team-based objectives. It’s a nice addition, though it’s not the centerpiece of the game. The arenas are fun, but they don’t have the depth of some other fighting games.
The online community is also a factor. The game has a dedicated fan base, and you’ll find plenty of people willing to help you through the game. However, the matchmaking system isn’t always reliable, and you might find yourself stuck in lobbies for extended periods. It’s a small issue, but it can be annoying when you’re trying to get into a match.
Side Quests And Their Value
Side quests are plentiful in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, and they’re worth doing. They reward you with experience points, items, and sometimes exclusive gear. Some of them are fetch quests, while others involve taking on smaller enemies or helping out a character in need. They’re a good way to break up the main story and explore the world.
However, the side quests aren’t always well-designed. Some are repetitive, and you’ll find yourself doing the same tasks over and over. The rewards are decent, but they’re not always worth the effort. It’s a balancing act, and the game doesn’t always get it right.
The best side quests are the ones that tie into the lore of the Dragon Ball universe. You’ll learn about characters you’ve never met before, and you’ll see familiar faces in unexpected roles. These quests add depth to the story and give you a reason to explore beyond the main plot. They’re a welcome addition, even if they’re not always polished.
Performance Across Platforms
Performance is a concern in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse. The game runs well on PS4 and PC, with smooth frame rates and minimal lag. The load times are reasonable, and the game holds up well during intense battles. It’s a solid showing for the newer hardware.
On PS3 and Xbox 360, the game struggles more. The frame rate dips during busy scenes, and the load times are noticeably longer. The game is playable, but it’s not as polished as it could be. If you have access to the newer hardware, it’s definitely worth playing on PS4 or PC. The older hardware is a step down, but it’s still a good way to experience the game.
The game’s technical issues are a shame, because the core gameplay is strong. The combat is fun, the story is engaging, and the world is worth exploring. But the performance problems keep it from being a perfect package. It’s a game that’s good, but not great.
What Works And What Doesn’t
The game’s strengths are easy to identify. The combat is the standout feature, and the customization options are a joy to use. The world is a pleasure to explore, and the side quests add depth to the story. These elements combine to make Dragon Ball: Xenoverse a compelling package.
The weaknesses are just as apparent. The hub system can be confusing, and the difficulty is inconsistent. The technical issues are a constant presence, and the side quests can be repetitive. These flaws keep the game from reaching its full potential.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the game’s major components:
- Combat: Fast, fluid, and packed with special moves
- Character customization: Extensive facial features, hairstyles, and clothing options
- Side quests: Rewarding but occasionally repetitive
- Multiplayer: Decent online play, though matchmaking can be unreliable
- Performance: Solid on PS4 and PC, struggling on PS3 and Xbox 360
| Platform | Performance |
|---|---|
| PS4 / PC | Smooth frame rate, reasonable load times |
| PS3 / Xbox 360 | Dipped frame rate, longer load times |
Final Verdict
Dragon Ball: Xenoverse is a solid entry in the franchise. It’s a game that respects the source material, offers deep customization, and delivers satisfying combat. It’s not without its flaws, though. The hub system can be confusing, the difficulty is inconsistent, and the performance issues are noticeable.
It’s a game that’s worth playing, especially if you’re a fan of the series. But it’s not the definitive Dragon Ball game that some were hoping for. It’s a good game, with a few rough edges.
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